Concluding Chapter

Throughout this course I have learned a lot of new things. In the beginning of the course we had to answer the question, what is photojournalism? My response to this was simple I stated that photojournalism is when you write a story and the photo adds to the story with deeper meanings. It also helps the readers understand what is going on the article. Now that this course is coming to an end, I have a similar definition of photojournalism but it is now more specific. Photojournalism is using photography to tell a story, lots of photojournalist has specific motivation to keep them doing their job, and coming up with creative ideas to better themselves.

I still agree with my earlier statement that having photos added to the writing provides the readers with visuals of what’s going on, but also add emotion so society can connect with them. I think it is very important for people to know the history behind photojournalism and the photographers because from what I learned, many of them have background stories that got them started, and helped them continue through their struggles and succeed and open doors for future photojournalist. Some big “ah-ha” moments throughout this course was when we were learning about the technology and the advancement of cameras. I was never really into that so I was impressed to see how photojournalist back then were able to have great photos with little to no technology, lots of trial and error for them during that growing process. When we were talking about images that show the truth verses the non truth, many images stood out to me. I posted in one of my blogs an example of a truth photo that represented what actually goes on during the war. That was powerful to me because it made me have a connection with the photo. It showed that the soldiers are strong, but they also build a bond with the other soldiers and help them out when they are wounded or killed. It not all serious business like people think.

For this module, I chose to appreciate photojournalist by taking pictures with an old Polaroid camera. This was interesting because I got my images printed right away from my camera. They would print and have to air out for the picture to come in fully. One downfall of using this was I was unable to zoom in get close to my subject without invading their personal space. Also this camera has no settings at all, I was unable to adjust my lighting, have the ability to take photos in black and white, work on my shallow dept of field, and I was unable to capture blur. Surprisingly I was able to capture freeze motion though. Taking photos with that type of camera were I was limited to do many things, I had to became creative and I feel that back when we only had basic cameras, being creative was the key to being a successful photojournalist. It also made me appreciate the advancement in technology today.

I do think that photos change the world. Many photojournalists focused on service photojournalism where they not only took photos for enjoyment, but also to get messages across the world for people to see. For example my classmate Heather did her photojournalist profile on Dorothea Lange, who took photos during the time of Depression. She wanted to show the world how people were suffering throughout the country. Another student that challenged the way I was thinking was Devonte’s photojournalist profile on Dith Pran. Pran had to struggle his way through life; nothing was given to him easy. He was held hostage and faced things people could not imagine. He then decided to dedicate his life to photography and help people see what is going on in the world, good or bad. Lastly, I looked through Steven who studied Robert Capa. He was an interesting photojournalist, because he not only photographed the war and the struggled they faced like other photojournalist. He also photographed humans and their experience they go through in their everyday lives.

Photo by: Dorothea Lange

http://heatherbrouillard.blogspot.com/2015/04/final-project.html

Photo by: Dith Pran

http://deedilli.blogspot.com/2015/04/blog-post.html

Photo by: Robert Capa

http://photojournalismaic.blogspot.com/2015/04/interview-with-greatest-war.html

Photo by: Stephen Herz

http://lightning-and-ashes.blogspot.com/2014/08/in-this-war-dream-by-stephen-herz.html

Photojournalist Profile

http://www.atgetphotography.com/The-Photographers/Margaret-Bourke-White.html 

http://www.atgetphotography.com/The-Photographers/Margaret-Bourke-White.html 

http://www.usace.army.mil/About/History/HistoricalVignettes/WomenMinorities/066LIFESfirstcover.aspx

http://ndmagazine.net/photographer/margaret-bourke-white/

Photographic Style:  

White took a variety of photos throughout her career. One of the obvious principles she used was using photography in black in white. That was mainly her only option during her time of work. Within the black and white photos thought it showed depth and history. Her subjects always had a strong emotion in her photos. One of the photos I chose for this portion of the project is one of her most famous works of Gandhi and the steel mil. This photo became famous for her creativity and her risk taking abilities. Within the photos she uses the concept of having the main subject take up most of the photo. One key thing to remember when looking at Whites photos is that these principles did not really have these terms and their use, so it’s impressive that her photos even fall under some of these newer principles. Also while studying photography, she learned the concept of depth of field, and focusing the camera in and out. Lastly, she grasped the concept of rule of thirds well while taking photos during the wars she photographed for.

For my major at AIC:

I can relate to Margaret Bourke-White because I'am a communications major, and I want to do the public relations aspect which involves the marketing and advertising aspect of communications and that is what she started off doing so that was interesting to learn. Also whatever I plan on doing with communications, I know that I want to not only do it for me, but to help out others.

Viewpoints:

I think that yes, White's photos were viewed by many different people and they all had their on biases and opinions towards her work. She influenced many photojournalist, especially upcoming female photojournalist. I also think she challenged other photographers during her time to strive to be better. One thing is she not only did photography, she used to to show people the suffrage people were facing throughout the world.

References for journal entries:

1. http://www.gallerym.com/pages/margaret-bourke-white-biography

2. http://www.iphf.org/hall-of-fame/margaret-bourke-white/

3. http://womenshistory.about.com/od/margaretbourkewhite/a/Margaret-Bourke-White.htm

4. http://www.notablebiographies.com/Be-Br/Bourke-White-Margaret.html

Chapter Nine

Motivations can be different for anyone, but mainly they are the things that “keep you going” and make your job interesting after many years of doing the same thing. For photojournalism it is cool because you never really photograph the same thing, its almost always different, which is a way that keeps them motivated.

One photojournalist I found was Phillip Jones Griffith. He started taking picture towards the end of the Vietnam War and the beginning of the Yon Kipper War. He states in an interview that he was motivated by his family to continue taking pictures, and by publicity he was receiving from his photos. Another thing is that during the time of the war that’s all people really talked about so they were interested in seeing up to date photos of what is going on. One obvious thing that kept him motivated was for the love of taking pictures, he loved what he did and wanted to succeed in it as well. Griffith states that “I absorb all the information I’ve seen previous photographers do, and wanted to be just as good as them, if not better.” Everyone always has a story behind why they choose photography and Kenyan photojournalist Felix Masi was being able to show people the suffrage he has gone through as a child and trying to relate it to the public, is almost like what Griffith did because he wanted to connect with the world on what goes on during the time people are at war.

Photo By: Graham Harrison

http://www.photohistories.com/interviews/23/philip-jones-griffiths

Photo by: Phillip Jones Griffith

http://www.toptenz.net/top-10-photojournalists.php

Another photojournalist I found to be interesting is Lynsey Addario. As a photojournalist she mainly focused on human rights issues and women rights. She mainly covers photography in other countries involving the role of women in different societies. Her main motivation was the show that women deserve equal rights as men. In Lynn Johnson’s video she states “women have to fight harder to earn the respect of the public because there are more men in the photojournalism business.” Addario wants women to be known as photographers and that was she was known for taking risks and getting really creative photos.  Lynsey said the “One of my goals as a photographer is to motivate people to act behind the lens.” She is motivated by helping others, and I can relate to that because I choose to help people all the time when in need. One thing that is different about Addario is she started photography with no background knowledge; she did it purely to help people out and get out some issues that are in and around the world.

Photo by: Patricia Sheridian 

http://www.post-gazette.com/ae/breakfast/2014/01/20/Lynsey-Addario/stories/201401200022

Photo by: Lynsey Addario

http://www.lynseyaddario.com/

Lastly we have Stacy Pearsall. She grew up loving photography, but she also grew up in a family of military people. At age 17, she joined the United States Air Force and photographed the front line of combat. Stacy admits that as a female, the pressures to succeed were real and challenged her to deliver without fail. With this pressure it only motivated her more to succeed and prove people wrong. This I can agree to because when I see a struggle, I’m not afraid to ask for help and I also want to show people I have the fight in me to get things done. For my motivation I chose the word fight because I don’t like to give up, and I continue to have perseverance to strive to get better everyday. Through the ages of 21-27 Pearsall captured over 500,000 images across 41 different countries. She is the first woman ever to win the Military Photographer of the Year twice, “giving the boys a run for their money.

Pearsall was injured at battle and recovered in a hospital, and seeing all the wounded veterans injured she figured she would do what she loves and take their photos. This became a hit and she started taking photos of veterans at the hospital. She wanted to keep busy and show she is still apart of the military. She did this because it made her happy to do what she loves and it made other veterans feel good about themselves. She also does it so she can hear and share their stories with others who understand. Being able to make other people happy while doing something you love is key motivation to success.

For this assignment when I was choosing my photojournalist, I did not realize how many things in common I was going to have with them. Many of the photojournalist do their job because they love it. Its never really the same thing, but yet they still have this same drive and desire to do it. In common all three of my photojournalist used photography to help others, if it meant by getting a message out there, standing up for their rights, or just to get other peoples stories out in the open for people to hear. Helping others is great motivation because it not only benefits you; it’s benefiting someone else. The fight and desire to do what you love is a great thing to have because it keeps you going.

Photo By:Chris Sims

http://halsey.cofc.edu/exhibitions/christopher-sims-stacy-pearsall/

Photo By: Stacy Pearsall

http://blog.photoshelter.com/2014/03/combat-photographer-stacy-pearsall-got-one-militarys-highest-honors/

Chapter Eight: Photojournalism and Bias

http://www.thegreatleapsideways.com/?p=209

Photo By: Ed Clark

This photo "Going Home" to me shows a lot of emotion. I personally like photos like this because it adds character to the image and creates a deeper meaning. For me this picture is taking place in a sad setting, you can tell because the main subject of the photo is crying while playing a song. It could be because someone has just passed away and people have come together to say goodbye. Also the people in the background are sad and upset too and are paying attention to the man playing. In the class module content refers to an Ukraine article titled "The rules of photojournalism are keeping us from the truth" states that "photojournalism style denotes style and objectivity." I think this a great point, because when looking at photos you assume the photographer is telling the truth and that everyone has different styles when it comes to taking pictures.

One concept I chose was Subject Expression. I chose this one because the main subject in the photo is sad and emotional. The subject is not really relaxed, they seem to be upset. One thing I like is that the body language also matches its facial expression because when you are upset you tend to tense up, just like the guy in the photo.

The next concept I chose was the picture being in Black and White. I chose this because having the photo in black and white makes it seem more serious. You can see the tears coming down the main subjects face better in black and white verses if it was in color. Based on how people are dressed, I'm assuming this photo was taking back in the day so it might have been their only option to have the photo in black and white.

Lastly I chose Background Compliments. I chose this one because the background is a huge part of the photo. It adds to the main subject being and shows that they come together for the same reason. Having people in the background makes the emotion more powerful because people are crying behind him while he plays the instrument.

 http://cariblogger.com/2010/08/30-beautiful-photojournalism-wedding-photography-examples/
Photo By: Juan Harris

I chose this photo as my photojournalism photo that represents the truth because it shows a happy couple who have just got married. You can tell in their eyes they are excited to start and new journey together. This shows the truth because not many people would pose for this type of photo, unless they truly mean it. I knew this would be a good photo to use because of its emotion shown in the photo and my intuition.  In Professor Nordell's video "Photojournalism and Bias Part 1" he talks about the truth in photography, and states "one person can look at a picture and thing it is bad, and another person can be looking at the same photo and have a completely different opinion on it, and that shows a good example of bias in photography."

The first concept I chose for this image is Quality Of Light. I chose this because I feel the lighting in the image is great. Having everything around them dark and having it light over the main subject was clever. I brings your eyes directly to the subject right away. Also by doing so, the light makes the photo more engaging for the viewers eye.

Next I chose How the image makes you feel. This image creates a happy environment, not many people will look at this picture and get upset. Weddings in general are a happy thing and having a couple gaze into each others eyes shows true honest emotion.

Lastly I chose Keep it Simple. I chose this because this photo is really simple. You know whats going on and its doesn't require little to any thinking of what this photo represents. The image is not cluttered, although it could probably go without the minister in the back.

http://olsonfarlow.com/category/blog/page/3

Photo By: Randy

I chose this photo as a photo that does not represent the truth. This doesn't represent the truth because that baby on his moms back has to be at least 1-2 years old. I think theres no way it would be able to be underwater for a long period of time and be able to pick up some rings. Also many people would not even risk doing this with their child. According to a video where Shahidul says that "Pictures have more than one truth." That is true because other people may see this image and interrupt it as something else. Also I read that a picture that creates people to challenge their ethics can be a good thing, and this photo is  good example of that. I knew that this photo did not show me the truth because of my sense of perception. for me I perceive this photo being not true because I think it is unrealistic for a baby to be underwater like this picture is showing.

The first concept I chose was Use of Shadows. I liked this concept because the shadows are reflecting onto the main subject and around the baby. Also the shadows under her stomach show how close she is to the bottom of the pool which is cool. Also they reflect off her legs and the lighting makes it look like waves across the back of her legs.

Next I chose Use of lines. I chose this because body is almost in a straight line so your eyes cant help but follow her body from her arms to her legs. Also you can kind of see the line of the pool water right above the babies head. This shows that they are right under the surface of the water.

Lastly I chose Texture. I chose this one because the texture in this image is the subjects being wet. The way the light hits the subjects body you can tell that they are underwater. Also you can tell by the little air bubbles in the background. Lastly you can tell by the way their hair looks, because it looks moist and damp.

Chapter Seven: Ethics of Photojournalism

When it comes to publishing a photo, you already know some people will love it and some will hate it. Many people have different opinions on things based on their ethics or their views on life and society. No one is ever right or wrong, but it seems to this day people tend to have the final say or feel the need to always be right.

I found an article on the web and I stated on Tuesday December 6^th 2012, the New York Post ran a cover page of a photo taken by R. Umar Abbasi. This photo showed a man about to get hit by a subway train. 58-year-old Ki Suk Han had been pushed into the tracks moments before. That was not all though, the “The bold, underlined letters printed over the photo read “Pushed on the subway track, this man is about to die,” and in larger all-capital letter below, “DOOMED.”

The main reason why this became such a controversy was because Abbasi “defended his decision to photograph the man, instead of helping him.” People were saying, if he say the man get pushed into the subway track, why not help him get up? Instead he chose to try and get a great photo and be known because of it. Also a lot of people felt that yes it was a good photo and caused come controversy, but the New York Post didn’t make it any better by stating that Abbasi was “doomed,” and also finding a better photo would of made photojournalist Abbasi look less guilty.

Personally, if I was Abbasi I would of chosen a different photo to send out to the New York Post mainly because one of the words I chose for my ethics was respect. With the posting of a man getting hit by a subway train, it did not respect him as a person or to his family, which happened to another one of my words I chose for my ethics. No family member wants to see an image of another family member getting hit by a train, and they defiantly don’t want it being on the cover of a huge magazine. I understand that getting a story on something this big would do great for publicity and your career as a photojournalist and I would of tried to get a story like this as well, but I wouldn’t of waned to post such a graphic image of it.

Image Source:http://petapixel.com/2012/12/04/photograph-of-doomed-man-on-subway-tracks-sparks-outrage/

Photo by: Michael Zhang

Image Source:http://petapixel.com/2012/12/04/photograph-of-doomed-man-on-subway-tracks-sparks-outrage/

Photo by: Michael Zhang

My Personal Ethics:

Image Source: My Iphone

Chapter Six

Oriana Fallaci was a female journalist. During her time she also did work as an author and political interviewer. She was born on June 29^th 1929, and throughout the 60’s-80’s she was known for taking pictures during World War II and the revolution. She was also known for interviewing world leaders, and people had said that she was bold and loved writing war and what goes on. She wrote with an integrity and force of character that defined her life's work up until the very last days. People say she was a huge inspiration to photojournalism at this time because of her “dynamic, dramatic and distinct point of view” of the democracies during the time of the world. She could get interviews with people no one else could.

  Fallaci has been known to be a brutal interrogator but her fellow photojournalist. She would insist instead that she merely frames the questions other reporters lack the courage to ask. Others photojournalist went into interviews shy and with less authority, Fallaci prefers an approach that she calls "correct" and "honest." Each interview, was direct and to the point. Fallaci died of cancer aged 77, at her death, was facing charges of vilifying Islam under Italian law following the publication of her book, The Strength of Reason, one of three polemical works published since the September 11 attacks. She was facing all these attacks because of things she wrote in her stories, for example she said things like as Muslims "breed like rats". So people started attacking her in her other works.

One type of job women faced discrimination is in the military. One example is back in 1970’s women were not allowed to be police officers because they were not know to be able to protect our country. According to a video Lynsey states that “women weren’t able to do man jobs, but could relate better with people because they feel more comfortable with women.” Many people just didn’t trust women, and assumed when it comes to protecting people women just were not fit to do it.

Another type of job women faced discrimination against was being a doctor. Most people think that women are not suitable to being a doctor because they simply are not smart enough. Women are capable to doing whatever they want because they know they face discrimination so they try to prove everyone wrong and do the “impossible.” Now a days we have more female doctors. One thing that women still face to this day is moving up in position in a business, they almost always choose a male over a female.

http://lapd.com/news/headlines/reflecting_on_100_years_of_women_in_lapd/ 

Photo by: Dana Bartholomew

-Reposted in 2010

-Black and white photo: I liked that this picture was posted in black and white because yes it was posted in 2010 on the website but by using an old photo black and white shows the history behind the photo.

-Another thing principle I chose was keep it simple. This photo is very simple because nothing really is going on in the background. this is good because it doesn't distract you from the main focus of the photo.

-Lastly I chose contrast appropriate. I think there is to much contrast because some of the faces are hard to see. Also some areas are lighter than other and it throws the photo off a little.

-I liked this photo the best because it showed how not many women were cops. This also shows that these women were brave enough to step out of their comfort zones to strive to do better. Lastly it shows the progress of history because there are way more female cops now.

http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_22716410/oriana-fallaci-life-glory-at-berkeley-rep  

Photo By: Karen D'Souza

-2013

-I chose rule of thirds because the main focus of the photo is off to the left. Another reason its in the lower half of the photo. Also this is good because it keeps you guessing what she is looking at.

-I chose use of lines. the lines along the tower make the picture look bigger. But it also makes the main character look smaller than what she really is. All the little people at the bottom on the building look tiny compared to the building.

-This image conveys feeling. It makes me wonder what she is looking it. She looks afraid, or like she is running from something. You can tell by her face that something is up and it really captures emotion.

-I chose this photo of my journalist Oriana Fallaci because i feel it captures how people would say how she's sneaky. Also this photo showed her determination to get things done and not let things get in her way.

http://ndepth.newsok.com/zuhdi

Photo by: Susan Simpson

-1985

-I chose in and out of focus. I chose this because this photo is in focus. I think its in focus because it puts an emphasis on the women preparing for surgery. Also shows the steps it takes to get ready for it.

-I also chose subject expression. I chose this because the expression on their faces are serious and intense. They are prepared for whatever they are about to do. It also seems calm and relaxed because they know exactly what happens.

- Obvious main subject. It is clear that the two doctor in the front are the main subject. They take up 80% of the photo. But one thing I would change is maybe showing more of the background so you get a better sense of what is going on behind them.

-I liked this image the best because it was clear and simple. The photo doesn't leave you guessing about anything. It also shows the transformation of women being able work at the same level as a male doctor.

Chapter Five: Technology Timeline

Technology Timeline:

-1885 When George Eastman created modern photographs film, which became appealing for customers to buy. During this time photojournalism started to become convenient to be able to work and travel.

Photo by: Unknown

http://instamatic2014.com/159th-birthday-of-george-eastman-2/

-1901 Eastman created “Brownie” this was the first camera that was able to take snapshots, and was small enough to carry around and he created roll film. This also helped make the transformation of photojournalism expand and go out to places to get more detailed and better photos

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/9025492/Kodak-moments-a-history-of-Eastman-Kodak-in-pictures.html?image=2

Photo by:  George Eastman

-1914 Oskar Barnack was one of the first to work with a 35mm which was used to create movies, films. This was big back then in order to have movies come out. Photojournalists were able to catch motion pictures and create videos.

https://dieselpunksencyclopedia.wordpress.com/2012/04/06/our-gallery-before-it-all-began/

Photo Posted: Dieselpunk

-1927 General Electric created modern flash film. This made it easier for photojournalist to take photos in dark areas and create false light in certain images.

http://photography.tutsplus.com/articles/a-brief-history-of-photographic-flash--photo-4249

Photo By: Ivan Tolmachev

-1937 Chester Carlson created xerography, which is copying process based on electrostatic engery- This made it easier for photojournalist to make copies of their photos after having them published

http://www.whenwasitinvented.org/when-was-xerography-invented/

Photo By: Unknown

-1948 came the Polaroid. This camera became popular because of its instant gratification capabilities. With this you were able to get your picture within seconds of taking it, photojournalist took advantage of that feature.

http://orangemercury.blogspot.com/2013/04/1948-polaroid-first-started-selling.html

Photo By: B.Man

-1963 Came instant color film. This was huge for photojournalist to be able to have pictures in color, it added detail and made them more realistic.

http://giam.typepad.com/the_branding_of_polaroid_/09_early_polaroid_displays_19601963/

Photo By: Paul and Fran Giambarba

-1972 Came the first digital camera, and redone in 1988 more based like the ones we have today

http://www.walltor.com/wallpaper/olympus-camera-library-in-70-years-vol1-1972-antique-cameras--olympus-35mm-camera-series-104282

Photo By: Wallcoo

-1973 Polaroid introduces one-step instant photography. Not many photojournalists liked this technique.

-1978 Konica introduces first point and shoot auto focus camera. This was an interesting feature because it made photos comes out more clearly and photojournalist capitalized off of this feature

http://www.mrmartinweb.com/35mmother.html

Photo By: Mr. Martin

-1990 Came the first Adobe Photoshop. This was huge because it gave photojournalist the ability to edit photos

-1991 Kodak released the first professional digital camera system (DCS). This was a big deal because these cameras showed the picture after taking it. Also being digital it made it easier to retrieve the photos as well.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/kodakdcs760

Photo by: Phil Askey

-2000 First camera phone. This gave photojournalist the ability to take photos on their phones and send them to emails.

http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2009/05/the-evolution-of-cell-phone-design-between-1983-2009/

Photo By: Michael Douglas

-2005 First DSLR cameras. This is one of the most current cameras we have today. This type of invention was huge for photojournalist because the cameras were easy to use and light and portable. This type of camera caught on.

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/canon-eos-600d-vs-650d-dslr-comparison-19379

Photo By: Joshua Waller

Photography has changed drastically over the last couple hundred of years. With the change in the technology and photojournalist adjusting to the change, it has created a better business for them. They were able to expand their work and get out there. Also with the advancement of cameras it has created a pathway for improvement. People always find something wrong and try to fix it and come out with a better version. Technology keeps advancing I cant even imagine what it will be like in 20 years. The cameras will be able to instantly print and be able to be posted on the Internet in seconds. Photojournalist keep capitalizing on the improvement and more and more people will get into photojournalism. Some photojournalist were old schooled and kept to their old ways and were slow to adjust to the new technology improvements.